ANTIQUE PRINTS, DRAWINGS & WATERCOLOURS

An early edition of Dumfries etching by John Clerk of Eldin

 

Of Scottish interest, Dumfries from the Dock inscribed ‘J.E. 1777’ is most likely one of the earliest editions of this etching, possibly first, by John Clerk of Eldin. A black edition, state II/III is held in the Hunterian Museum collection, University of Glasgow, and a colour edition, with corrected perspective suggesting a later working, in Dumfries Museum.

The topographical etching best illustrates Clerk’s early primitive styling, peopled in the vernacular to foreground.

Dumfries from the Dock J.E. 1777. Etching

With a walk-on part in the Scottish Enlightenment, John Clerk of Eldin (1728-1812), the son of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, was associated with the Adam brothers, and married their sister Susannah in 1753. Politician, artist and author, fame came in Clerk’s lifetime as the author of the Discourse on Naval Tactics, but his etchings had lasting importance. A volume of his sketches were presented to King George III in 1786. His etchings were later popularised through publication of A Series of Etchings chiefly of Views in Scotland by the Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh, 1855. Thus Clerk’s landscape etchings are often seen as important precursors to the etching revival of the mid-nineteenth century. Recent research has re-examined his relationship with his brother-in-law Robert Adam (Emerson, 1995), increasing interest in his work.

Some light spotting. Frame and glaze contemporary to etching.

Price upon request.

Please contact Shaun Castle on 01697 742833.

 
 

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